NYCFC and LAFC got back to winning ways while several MLS teams clinched their spots in the postseason
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NYCFC send message to NY Red BullsLAFC build momentum off USOC winOrlando has won four of its last five gamesWHAT HAPPENED?
Matchday 35 came to a close and seven clubs clinched spots in the postseason – and one of which did so emphatically in the case of NYCFC.
In addition to the Houston Dynamo, Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps, Orlando City SC, New York Red Bulls and LAFC all secured their spots in the upcoming playoffs. Only one automatic playoff slot remains in each conference, while two play-in spots are up for grabs for both the Eastern and Western conferences as well.
With most of the postseason field determined, jockeying for playoff position will come next in the final three matchdays. And there is still a chance, albeit slim, that Inter Miami may lose their grasp on the Supporters' Shield — especially after yet another draw.
Here were the biggest results of this weekend.
AdvertisementHUDSON RIVER DOMINATED
The vibe was very similar to "Red Wedding" 7-0 masterclass by the Red Bulls back in 2016 — only this time it was NYCFC returning the favor.
Both teams entered the team in poor form. NYCFC hadn't won since July 3 while the Red Bulls weren't much better, with their last win coming on July 20. With both teams having their full squads available, there were no excuses and both managers were under immense pressure. In the end, it's Nick Cushing who would have checkmate over his counterpart Sandro Schwarz.
This is a result, NYCFC fans will talk about for years and rightly so considering the performance. It's not quite what was displayed in 2016, but its close enough and levels more pressure on a Red Bulls team that had high hopes this season.
CUP MOMENTUM
LAFC stressed the importance of momentum following their thrilling win over Sporting KC in the U.S. Open Cup Wednesday. They backed up Saturday in a potential preview of the MLS Cup Final against FC Cincinnati in a 2-1 win.
Just looking at the stats, FCC have won the match against LAFC at home. They had 60 percent of possession and edged the xG numbers at 2.1 to LAFC's 1.6. Yet, LAFC's difference in attacking quality proved to be the difference as they made more of the limited possession and capitalized on lapses repeatedly.
For all the talk of the visitors' established veterans such as Olivier Giroud, Hugo Lloris and Kei Kamara, it might have been 18-year-old Venezuelan starlet David Martinez who stole the show. In just his second start, the teen had a classy finish that belied his age to give his team the lead at the 34th minute.
More importantly, LAFC snapped a five-game winless streak in league play. All-in-all, a big result for Steve Cherundolo's group.
ImagnFLORIDA'S OTHER TEAM IS ROLLING
With Inter Miami stealing the headlines, it can be easy to forget the other ambitious team in the Sunshine State — Orlando City SC.
Orlando has quietly picked up wins in four of its last five games, with its latest against FC Dallas. Facundo Torres is a catalyst behind this recent uptick, with the forward scoring four goals and providing one assist during that span.
Torres doesn't get as much hype as some of the other leading stars in MLS, but he's exceeding his xG by almost five goals, according to FBref. If he continues his recent tear, it could warrant some MVP consideration — even if there are stronger candidates who deserve to be favorites.